t as the Master of a High Court and subsequently in the modest but I trust useful office of the Chairman of a Bench of Magistrates； I have done nothing at all at my profession at the Bar。 In an unfortunate hour； considered from this point of view； I employed my somewhat ample leisure in chambers in writing “King Solomon’s Mines。” That； metaphorically； settled my legal hash。 Had it not been for “King Solomon’s Mines；” if even in imagination I may dwell upon such splendour； I might possibly have sat some day where sits my old friend and instructor； Sir Henry Bargrave Deane； as a judge of the Court of Probate and Divorce； in which I proposed to practise like my great…uncle； Doctor John Haggard； famous for his Reports； before me。
Well do I remember how； when one day I was seated in this Division watching a case or devilling for somebody； I unconsciously inscribed my name on the nice white blotting…paper before me。 Presently from behind me I heard a whisper from some solicitor — I think that was his calling — whom business had brought to the Court：
“Are you Rider Haggard； the man who wrote ‘King Solomon’s Mines’？” he said； staring at the tell…tale blotting…paper。
I intimated that such was really my name。
“Then； confound you！ Sir； you kept me up till three o’clock this morning。 But what are you doing here in a wig and gown — what are you doing here？”
Very soon I found cause to echo the question and to answer it in the words； “No good。” The Bri